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Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Alternate Names : Complicated Urinary Tract Infection, Infection - Kidney, Pyelonephritis, Urinary Tract Infection - Complicated
DefinitionPyelonephritis is an infection of the kidney and the ducts that carry urine away from the kidney (ureters).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pyelonephritis most often occurs as a result of urinary tract infection, particularly in the presence of occasional or persistent backflow of urine from the bladder into the ureters or kidney pelvis (vesicoureteric reflux).
Pyelonephritis can be further classified as follows:
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Acute uncomplicated pyelonephritis (sudden development of kidney inflammation)
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Chronic pyelonephritis (a long-standing infection that does not clear)
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Reflux nephropathy ( an infection that occurs in the presence of an obstruction)
Although cystitis (bladder infection) is common, pyelonephritis occurs much less often. The risk is increased if there is a history of cystitis, renal papillary necrosis, kidney stones, vesicoureteric reflux, or obstructive uropathy.
The risk is also increased when there is a history of chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection and when the infection is caused by a particularly aggressive type of bacteria.
Acute pyelonephritis can be severe in the elderly and in people who are immunosuppressed (for example, those with cancer or AIDS).
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Definition Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Symptoms & Signs Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Prevention Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Diagnosis & Tests Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Treatment Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Prognosis Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Acute Kidney Failure AIDS Cancer Immunodeficiency Disorders Injury - Kidney and Ureter Nephrolithiasis Obstructive Uropathy Reflux Nephropathy Renal Papillary Necrosis Sepsis Urinary Tract Infection Urinary Tract Infection - Chronic or Recurrent
Tests & Exams
Abdominal CT Scan Abdominal Ultrasound Blood Culture Intravenous Pyelogram Renal Biopsy Renal Scan Urinalysis Urine Culture - Catheterized Specimen Urine Culture - Clean Catch Urine Odor Voiding Cystourethrogram WBC Count
Other Topics
Abdominal Pain Acute Back Pain - Low Chronic Confusion Fatigue Fever Flank Pain Malaise Nausea and Vomiting Palpation Skin Blushing/Flushing Sweating - Excessive Urinary Frequency/Urgency Urination - Excessive at Night Urination - Painful Urine - Abnormal Color Urine - Bloody Urine Output - Decreased
Review Date : 7/30/2002
Reviewed By : Christopher Parsons, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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